Lot 155: An allegory of the Arts; and An allegory of War

Adolphe Yvon (French, 1817-1893)
An allegory of the Arts; and An allegory of War
one signed 'Ad. Yvon' (lower right)
oil on canvas
both 16¾ x 35 1/8 in. (42.5 x 89.3 cm.)
a pair (2)

Adolphe Yvon is a well-known French military painter. He studied under Paul Delaroche at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris around 1838. In the years of his studies his classical religious paintings were well acclaimed by teachers and patrons alike, but the artist was inspired by the exotic worlds popularized by artists like Alexandre Decamps and Prosper Marilhat. This passion led him to organize a six-month trip to Russia in 1846 which left a profound influence on the artist's career. Yvon's familiarity with Russia contributed to his appointment as the only official artist accompanying French forces during the Crimean War in 1856. Following the Revolution of 1848 Yvon gained favour with Emperor Napoleon III and became an official artist of his regime. The Allegories of War and the Arts skilfully underpin the essence of Yvon's work.